On the inside

INDIANA coach wowed by Daniel Gafford.

FAYETTEVILLE — Three times in the final 10:40 of Sunday’s game in Walton Arena, Indiana took a lead against the University of Arkansas. The Hoosiers also tied the score with 5:43 left.

Each time, Daniel Gafford scored a basket to put Arkansas ahead.

Gafford, a 6-11 sophomore from El Dorado, hit 12 of 15 shots and scored a career-high 27 points in the Razorbacks’ 73-72 victory. His previous high was 25 points against Fresno State last season.

“I let the game come to me instead of just trying to take it,” Gafford said. “Letting the game come to you goes more smooth.

“Every time I would touch the ball, I would either miss and get the rebound or I would go up and get a foul.”

Gafford matched his career high with 12 rebounds, including five on the offensive end.

“To be honest with you, this is the first time we’ve seen that type of presence,” Indiana Coach Archie Miller, whose team fell to 3-1, said of facing Gafford and his 7-4 wingspan. “This will give us a little bit more information on what we need to do as we get ready to play more guys like him.”

Gafford became more aggressive in the second half when he hit 9 of 10 shots.

“I thought our guys did a good job of really identifying and getting the ball to him,” Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson said. “He was determined to make plays. He had the mismatch.

“It was good to see him step up and answer the call.”

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CHARLIE KAIJO Arkansas Razorbacks forward Daniel Gafford (10) tries to control a loose ball during Sunday’s game at Walton Arena in Fayetteville. Gafford finished with a career-high 27 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 2 steals.